Schools continue to teach, preach diversity

When tragic or unfortunate incidents occur, we try to respond by learning from those situations.

When several serious bullying incidents occurred this school year, we re-taught our expectations for respect and responsibility and formed an Anti-Bullying Coalition with a broad-based community membership. When tragic accidents claimed the lives of local teenagers, a community forum was created to refocus parents and teens on the dangers of alcohol and drugs.

In every school and classroom in Beaufort County, we emphasize respect for others. We expect students to treat others as they would want to be treated themselves. We teach personal responsibility and urge students to “say something if they see something” whenever they believe anything harmful is occurring.

The recent unfortunate incident in which a teacher reportedly put a child under a desk and used inappropriate language has provided yet another opportunity for a reasoned, thoughtful response. We immediately reached out to Jewish clergy and lay leaders to assure the faith community that we were taking this incident seriously and would respond appropriately. We cooperated with law enforcement and provided counseling to students.

We also have developed a plan with principals and counselors in which students will be taught lessons on respect and tolerance for religious, cultural and personal differences. Lessons are scheduled for the third week of May, after statewide testing, when there is more time for thoughtful preparation, reflection and engaged dialogue. An upcoming meeting of the district’s Ecumenical Partners, comprising faith leaders from across the county, will be devoted to the topic of teaching respect for differences. Reminder training for all school staff is planned for August.

Here in Beaufort County, our diversity is a tremendous asset. We rightfully celebrate that diversity and are vigilant in teaching students that we are stronger together than we are individually. To our parents and community supporters, we say thank you for supporting our schools when tragic and unfortunate events occur as well as when good things happen.